News & Columns

The meaning and origin of the sacred tree motif, which represents a connection to the world of the gods

Since ancient times, trees have been considered sacred and mystical. It has played an important role in mythology and religion in both the East and the West of the world.

Patterns derived from animal fur such as veils and ermines

In medieval Western Europe, fur became widely used as a symbol of authority for the ruling class. Naturally, at first fur was primarily used as cold weather gear, but depending on the material and...

The origin and roots of the monogram design

Monograms (combined letters) are a very popular design motif. When you hear the word monogram, many people may think of a few famous brands, but because it is a simple design made up of combined l...

The origin and meaning of the lion motif used in accessories

Lions are popular motifs for accessories and all kinds of sculptures, and have been feared since ancient times for their strength, appearance, and fierceness. Representative examples include Hercu...

The origin of the cartouche, a distinctive feature of Baroque decoration

Cartouche is a general term for a spiral border used in many fields of European decorative arts, including architecture, painting, and crafts. In architecture, the decoration itself is formed into...

アクセサリーでも使用される紋章デザインモチーフの意味と由来

紋章を使ったデザインモチーフの意味と由来 アンティークジュエリーをはじめ近年のストリートアクセサリーでも紋章モチーフのデザインは多く見られ非常に人気の高いデザインです。 その起源は中世以来のヨーロッパで発生したものでその社会の成り立ちによって必要性が高まり発展してきました。 ササン朝ペルシアで用いられた粘土板の上に転がして使用する印章のように社会的な信用を証明するためのものとしてはヨーロッパ...

The meaning and origin of dragon motifs in accessories

Dragons and dragon emblems, which are popular in accessories, antique jewelry, and coats of arms, are motifs that have different impressions in the East and the West.

A combination of strong and weak lines of engraving and hatching-like engraving

The traditional Japanese technique of metal engraving and the overseas technique of decorating metals, engraving, seem to be similar techniques, but the approaches to using each decorative techniqu...

The origin and meaning of palm trees and leaves as decorative motifs

Palm trees were a valuable resource for food and building materials in various regions of the ancient Orient, and because they could withstand dry climates and grow large, they were known as the "t...

The meaning and origin of the rosette, a popular architectural decoration

The rosette pattern is used in all kinds of decorations around the world. In addition to architecture, it is also used as a motif for openwork patterns on furnishings.